The rufescent screech owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andean slopes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors dense understory and forest edges, especially near clearings, ravines, and streams. By day it roosts in dense vegetation or tree cavities; at night it hunts within forest interiors and along edges. It tolerates selectively logged forest but is less common in heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufescent screech owl is a medium-large Andean screech-owl with prominent ear tufts and multiple color morphs ranging from rich rufous to gray-brown. It inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forests, where it hunts quietly from low to mid-level perches. Pairs often duet at night, and the species nests in natural tree cavities. Despite its restricted montane range, it is considered of low conservation concern at present.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Generally encountered alone or in pairs. Pairs maintain territories and often duet at night. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with a small clutch typically incubated by the female while the male provisions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Typical song is a series of low, resonant hoots that accelerate and then decelerate, sometimes ending in a trill. Pairs may give alternating or overlapping duets, and contact calls are softer, quavering notes.
